I also try to leave some small samples tile and wood flooring, with the brand written on the back, so they can take them to match paint, furniture, etc.Chris,That's a great idea to leave attic stock for materials used on the project, such as carpets, floor tiling and paint in case they need it.

Hello,I am looking for ideas of how to set up either a 'loan method' or a partnership with an individual private investor who has as a couple of his main objectives to 1) reduce his current tax liability, and 2) make a return as good or better than stocks/mutual funds while diversifying, and 3) possibly turn these loans/investments in a good 'income stream' in about 10 or so years when he is ready to retire.

The tax rules have always allowed for alternative assets such as real estate, stock of privately held companies, etc.With a self directed IRA, it is not "you investing in real estate with IRA money", but rather "a different way of investing your tax-sheltered retirement plan".  

HI Chris,With a conventional loan you can cash out to 75% of the 82k which is 61,500 - 35,000 you currently - 3k closing for refi = $ 23000 proceeds from cash out.You'll need 6 months of payment reserves in funds via checking/savings/401k/bonds/stocks/etc.Is it a good decision?

I'm a college student so it would have to be part time, and I only have a couple hundred bucks :/ I wouldn't say I'm completely risk adverse, but I am definitely mot interested in speculating, which is why I chose real estate over stocks.

So if you can be reasonably assured based on pay stubs, length of time at current job, and references from prior landlords (i don't place stock in personal references, who isn't going to give a friend a good reference) then this can be something worth considering.  

the part that got us was since it was the middle of the night we got stuck with a parts house fee since the repair tech had to get a parts house open in the middle of the night, and the furnace was a Goodman and not many people in my city stock the parts so very few options.

Replacing roofs, HVAC and parking lot paving, etc. is a fact of life; reserving for them creates a much more predictable cash flow.

Do you have any stocks, bonds or mutual funds that could be pledged instead?

I want to become a Financial Planner (I read a lot on the Stock Market, and business, and real estate).